ArchEngBuild is all about encouraging collaboration across the building and construction industry to find solutions to housing challenges. It also champions, inspires and celebrates Aotearoa New Zealand’s next generation of leaders.
Over 3 days in July, the competition brought together 30 of New Zealand’s top architecture, engineering and construction students in Ōtautahi Christchurch. Starting as strangers – and with little experience of the other disciplines – they were drafted into three-person teams and given a gnarly challenge.
They were charged with designing an inner-city development that combines housing, retail, working and community spaces. It had to adapt to people’s changing life stages and provide a strong connection to community – as well as being able to withstand severe earthquakes, have minimal impact on the environment and, importantly, be affordable to rent or buy for most New Zealanders.
Accepting the challenge
This was a particularly thorny brief. And yet, within just 48 hours, the winning team worked together to develop an incredibly well-resolved design that connected the community to the river and landscape as well as the urban heart of Christchurch. They displayed a depth of knowledge, technical ability and commitment to teamwork that was exciting.
Deserving winners
My sincere congratulations go to Ella Knapton, studying architecture at Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington, Francis Orendain, studying construction management at Western Institute of Technology, and Douglas Goncalves, studying structural engineering at University of Auckland.
Our panel of judges had the tough task of picking just one winner from a range of exceptional designs. Huge thanks to: Cass Goodwin, Regional Manager at Batchelar McDougall Consulting Ltd, James Woods, Managing Director at Image Construction & Image Projects, Victoria Threadwell, Senior Building Scientist at Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment, and Bernadette Muir, NZIA Fellow and Principal Academic Staff Member at Ara Institute of Canterbury.
Bringing the attitude
Overall, the judges commended the students’ optimism and creativity in solving some of today’s biggest challenges, including resilience, sustainability and affordability in our buildings. Our industry can be tough, but the judges felt these students are hitting the real world with the right attitude and a focus on teamwork and communication.
As I said, ArchEngBuild is all about collaboration and, true to this kaupapa, it’s supported by an amazing range of people and organisations across the industry. This year, I was honoured to host Hon Chris Penk, Minister for Building and Construction, who announced the winners at Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū on 4 July, as well as Philip Mauger, Mayor of Christchurch, and Dr Hamish Campbell, MP for Ilam.
Crucial support
None of this could have happened without the continued support of our ArchEngBuild sponsors – ngā mihi nui to Concrete NZ, Metals New Zealand, WIDE, New Zealand Timber Design Society and Southbase. I’d also like to acknowledge the teams at Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects, Te Ao Rangahau Engineering New Zealand and the New Zealand Institute of Building and this year’s hosts Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha University of Canterbury.
Real-world insights
ArchEngBuild provides one of the few experiences that students have to gain real-world insights into the work of other disciplines. This ability to understand the building system as a whole – not just one facet – will be essential to tackle the challenges the industry faces.
When I see the enthusiasm of these students coming into the industry and hear them talk about the importance of collaboration, I feel the future of the industry is in good hands.